Lewis McLeod, who entered Duke as part of the Class of 2014, is suing the University after being expelled due to an alleged sexual assault, WRAL News is reporting.
Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations, said that the University cannot comment on pending litigation.
According to WRAL, a female student reported a claim of sexual assault by McLeod after an encounter with him in November 2013. After an investigation by the Office of Student Conduct, McLeod was expelled and barred from participating in this month's graduation ceremony, WRAL reports.
McLeod alleges that the sex was consensual, WRAL reports.
The lawsuit—filed as a civil case to be seen by a Durham County Superior Judge—asks that McLeod be awarded his degree.
McLeod is listed in the Duke Directory as a student set to graduate in Fall 2014, however, rather than Spring 2014. He was a member of the men's soccer team during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Neither McLeod nor his lawyer—Rachel Hitch of Schwartz & Shaw of Raleigh—could be immediately reached for comment.
Check back for continuing updates.
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